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Exterior House Painting Cost Calculator

National Average

How much does it cost to paint a house? The national average to paint the exterior of a house ranges from . The total cost of your project on numerous factors including the size of your house, the type of siding you have, and labor costs in your area. Use this calculator to estimate the cost to paint your house based on the information you input.

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Cost for an Exterior Paint Job

What factors affect the cost of painting your exterior?

The cost to paint your house depends on the following variables:

Home Size:

The cost of your exterior paint job is typically estimated based on your home’s square footage. In addition to the size of your home, the style of your home will be a determining factor in your total project cost. Multi-story homes will increase your cost, as they require more paint, supplies, prep work, labor and ladders or scaffolding. 

Siding Material:

Your type of siding is another key factor in determining your exterior painting cost. Different siding materials that are more porous or absorbent, such as wood and stucco, require greater amounts of paint and special materials to be properly covered. Additionally, some siding materials require more preparation, such as sanding and priming to ensure paint adhesion.

Labor:

Labor will be a significant portion of your paint job cost. Typically it’s between 80% - 85%. Not only will your siding material impact your labor cost, but the condition of your siding will also impact the amount of labor required. For example, repairs will likely be required before painting if your siding is damaged or decaying, which will increase your labor costs.

Location:

As with any home improvement project, your geographic location will likely impact your project cost. Expect to pay more if you’re in a metropolitan area with a higher cost of living. Your climate can also impact your project cost, as areas with extreme weather conditions may require more labor or specialty products to ensure your paint can withstand the elements. To see how your location will impact your project estimate, refer to the cost calculator above and update your ZIP code.

Siding Materials Materials

Below are some of the most common siding materials. To see how these different siding types affect your exterior paint job estimate, refer to the calculator above and update your roofing material.

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Metal

While metal is a durable, non-porous material that doesn’t require paint, homeowners may choose to paint it to achieve a desired aesthetic. Compared with some other porous siding materials, metal requires less prep work. However, with metal siding types such as aluminum or steel, you’ll need to check for rust before painting. You must either repair or replace any rust spots before a new paint job, which can increase overall costs.

Vinyl:

If vinyl siding is in good condition, it’s one of the more budget-friendly siding materials to paint because it’s non-porous. With exterior paint that’s specifically formulated for vinyl siding, you can refresh your home’s look without having to replace your siding.

Concrete:

Because it requires extra prep work, concrete is typically one of the more expensive siding materials to paint. Before you even being with prep work, you’ll need to remove any old paint and clean the concrete. Once you’ve done that, it’s essential to apply primer to your concrete siding to ensure paint adhesion. You’ll also need additional coats of paint to make sure it’s sufficiently covered. After you’re done painting, it’s important to apply sealant for long-lasting color.

Masonry:

Like concrete, brick and stone siding requires a lot of prep work and extra coats of paint. Because it’s more labor-intensive than other siding materials, masonry is one of the more expensive siding materials to paint. Along with additional coats of paint, you’ll need primer before you start the masonry painting process. While it’s not necessary to use sealant with masonry, applying sealant can increase its durability.

Wood:

Wood is generally one of the most economical siding materials to paint, but it may need a bit more prep work to get rid of old paint and sand down the surface. However, wood siding doesn’t necessarily need a full prime; in many cases you can simply prime specific sections that need it.

Stucco:

Due to its texture, stucco tends to be one of the more expensive types of siding to paint. Before you can paint it, you will need to pressure wash stucco to remove dirt from its crevices. It also requires extensive prep work and only certain types of paint will work with it. Like concrete and wood, stucco will also need extra coats of paint for a finished look.

Other Painting Cost Considerations

Beyond the main variables that factor into your exterior painting project, keep these additional cost considerations in mind:

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Home Valuation:

Painting your home’s exterior usually yields at least a 50% return on your investment.

Sustainability Savings:

Many paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contaminate outdoor air. Exterior paints also have fungicides, which prevent mildew growth, but can also pollute outdoor air. The good news is, homeowners now have more sustainable paint options to choose from. For the most eco-friendly exterior paint, find one that uses zinc oxide as the fungicide. After that, the next best choices are zero- to very low-VOC paints, acrylic or latex paints and water-based paints. While some of these environmentally friendly paints come with a higher price tag than traditional paints, they’re higher quality, have a better return on investment and better color retention and coverage.

Timeless Design

Choosing an exterior paint color for your home is a big decision. While you want to showcase your style, it’s wise to choose a classic and timeless paint color that you’ll be happy with for the long haul. And of course, make sure to choose a paint color that complements your home’s architectural style.

Looking for a Painter?

If you’re looking to boost your curb appeal, painting your home’s exterior is the perfect way to do just that. However, it’s wise to hire professionals to ensure a quality paint job that stands the test of time. Not only will they bring a particular level of skill and expertise, but they’ll help to make sure your project runs smoothly and efficiently. Ready to look for painting professionals in your area? It’s a good idea to contact multiple companies to get a few quotes for your project. Find local painters now. 

Looking for other ways to elevate your home’s exterior? Perhaps it’s time to refresh your landscaping. Search here to find local landscape contractors. If you’re interested in refurbishing your hardscaping, or adding new walkways or a patio, find nearby stone and concrete contractors here.